Burnie City Council, Tasmania, will not proceed with its plan to build a new North West Museum and Art Gallery, and will instead combine its art gallery, museum, and function centre in the one existing location.
The Federal government’s $5million funding commitment will now be used to refurbish the Burnie Arts and Function Centre, creating an integrated function and cultural facility incorporating the current art gallery and museum.
Mayor, Steve Kons, said, “Much has changed since I presented the designs for a new building at Council’s 2019 Annual General Meeting, and Council is no longer in a position to deliver the project in its initial concept.
“The consolidation of the function, art and museum facilities into the one location will be more financially viable, will achieve operating efficiencies, and will be affordable in the current environment.
“The aim of the original project – the bringing together of our gallery and museum to create a cultural precinct providing a leading visitor experience for the broader community and tourists – remains the focus of Council.”
The position of Manager Burnie Arts and Function Centre, which is currently vacant, will be upgraded to attract a manager with significant commercial and arts experience who will play a key role in planning and developing a business plan to deliver the new cultural and function centre.
A senior curator will also be recruited to work across the art and museum collections as part of the new centre.
